Fact Check: "The Gaza Strip has a population of over 2 million people."
What We Know
The Gaza Strip is a small territory located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. As of the end of 2024, estimates indicate that the population of the Gaza Strip is approximately 2.1 million people, which reflects a decline of about 6% from the previous year due to the ongoing Gaza war (World Factbook, Wikipedia). This figure aligns with various sources that consistently report the population of Gaza as being over 2 million, with some estimates specifically citing 2.1 million as of early 2025 (Statista, Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that the Gaza Strip has a population of over 2 million people is supported by multiple credible sources. The World Factbook and Wikipedia both provide population estimates that confirm this figure. Additionally, a report from Statista corroborates the population count, emphasizing Gaza's status as one of the world's most densely populated regions.
However, it is important to note that the population has experienced fluctuations due to ongoing conflicts, particularly the recent Gaza war, which has reportedly caused a population decline of approximately 160,000 people (Al Jazeera). This decline highlights the impact of conflict on demographic statistics, but it does not negate the fact that the population remains above 2 million.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. The World Factbook is a publication of the CIA and is widely regarded as a reputable source for demographic and geographic information. Wikipedia, while user-edited, cites numerous sources and is often updated with the latest information. Statista is a well-known statistics portal that aggregates data from various reliable sources, further enhancing its credibility.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The Gaza Strip has a population of over 2 million people" is accurate. Current estimates indicate a population of approximately 2.1 million, which is consistent across multiple reputable sources. Despite recent declines due to conflict, the population remains firmly above the 2 million mark.